North County Transit District officials say a former employee knew early on about the brake problems that have idled the $477 million Sprinter light-rail line and did not communicate them up the chain of command.

That chain of command was in nearly constant flux, according to transit district records obtained by U-T Watchdog.

The operations division that former transit employee Richard Berk worked for underwent at least four reorganizations in three years. During that time, Berk had three supervisors, only one of whom remains with the district.

The structural changes have been caused in part by the economy and also stemmed from the agency’s decision to outsource all of its operations and maintenance functions to private contractors in 2009. Maintenance for the Sprinter was outsourced from its inception in 2008.

Of the 25 managers and executives in place before the changeover, five remain on staff and 20 have been replaced. Several positions have turned over three times.